French authorities have activated emergency plans as a severe heatwave grips large parts of Europe, putting firefighters and military units on alert, restricting alcohol consumption in public settings, and calling off some outdoor sports events.
About a third of France is under the national weather service’s highest-level red heat warning, with temperatures expected to reach around 40°C (104°F) in some areas on June 21 and climb even higher on June 22. The heat is part of a wider early-summer episode that has already pushed officials to step up monitoring across the country.
In Paris, cooling measures including misting stations have been introduced at the Eiffel Tower and other busy locations as officials try to reduce the health risks posed by the extreme temperatures.
Heat has had a deadly impact across the continent in recent years. More than 200,000 people in Europe have died from heat-related causes over the past four years, and the World Health Organization’s Europe office has warned that many of those deaths could have been avoided.
Forecasters say the dangerous conditions may persist into next week, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion and potentially fatal heat stroke. Authorities have also warned that the combination of high temperatures, large crowds and long hours outdoors could strain emergency services further.
One of the biggest immediate concerns for officials is France’s annual Music Day, or Fête de la Musique. The summer solstice celebration brings thousands of performances to town squares, clubs and street stages across the country, attracting both local crowds and visitors from abroad.
To ease pressure on emergency responders, the government has instructed event organisers to reduce alcohol availability at Music Day gatherings.
The government has ordered organisers of Music Day events to limit alcohol use to ‘preserve emergency services and allow medics to concentrate on taking care of the most vulnerable’.
“For all events organised by the state and its agencies, instructions have been given not to offer alcohol,” the office of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said, per BBC News.
Health experts note that drinking alcohol can increase the risk of heat stroke during extreme temperatures, especially when people are spending long periods outdoors in direct sun.
Officials are especially concerned about people exposed to the heat on city streets, as well as older adults in care homes or living alone. France remains deeply marked by the 2003 heatwave, when around 15,000 elderly people died.
Those aged 65 and over are considered to be at greater risk of heat stroke, along with infants, people with chronic illnesses and anyone taking medications that can affect how the body regulates temperature.
According to Cleveland Clinic, signs of heat stroke include:
Anyone showing symptoms linked to heat stroke is being urged to contact emergency services immediately.
In severe situations, heat stroke can cause coma, rhabdomyolysis, hypovolemic shock and serious damage to vital organs.
Rapid treatment is key to improving recovery chances.
“The sooner your body starts cooling down — ideally within 30 minutes of the start of symptoms — the better your chances of recovery,” says Cleveland Clinic.
Public health officials are also reminding people to drink water regularly, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, seek shade or air-conditioned spaces where possible, and check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives.